StruxureWare Data Center Expert uses device definition files (DDF) to understand what information to poll and how to format different information from discovered devices. During discovery of APC devices and after a firmware update of APC devices, the StruxureWare server will attempt to download DDF files from the device using FTP or SSH. If the server is unable to perform this transfer, you will see a message stating "Device status may be inaccurate due to attempt to transfer DDF failed".

Resolution:

Please be sure to enable FTP or SSH on the device itself. Make sure that any firewalls between StruxureWare and the affected device(s) are allowing the appropriate protocols and ports (21 for ftp and 22 for ssh by default). Also make sure that the appropriate user names, passwords, protocols, and ports are listed in StruxureWare under the device menu, SNMP device communication settings, and device file transfer settings. You can add or edit current listings. You can also create entries for ranges of devices as well as entries for specific devices.

Troubleshooting:

Data Center Expert connects to devices via passive FTP when requesting Device Definition Files. After performing the troubleshooting above, verify that passive FTP (ephemeral ports) are not being blocked on the network.

It has been seen in the AP44XX series Rack ATS firmware (ats4g 6.4.7 or 6.5.0) that this message may occur due to a firmware related issue. If you have this version of firmware and see this error, please upgrade to the most recent firmware (AOS 6.5.0 with an ats4g 6.5.1). This firmware is available for download on the APC web site as well as in the newest StruxureWare DCE firmware catalog.